Walker Smith Body Shop Snellville GAhttps://www.walkersmithbodyshop.com
Wed, 19 Dec 2018 20:21:32 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.9Practice Safe Holiday Drivinghttps://www.walkersmithbodyshop.com/2018/12/19/practice-safe-holiday-driving-december/
Wed, 19 Dec 2018 20:10:32 +0000https://www.walkersmithbodyshop.com/?p=921Have a Safe Holiday Season Follow These Holiday Driving Safety Tips The holiday season is upon us and it’s no surprise that December, and especially late December, is one of the busiest times of the year on America’s roads and highways. Unfortunately, these crowded roadways lead to far too many traffic related fatalities. In […]

Follow These Holiday Driving Safety Tips

The holiday season is upon us and it’s no surprise that December, and especially late December, is one of the busiest times of the year on America’s roads and highways. Unfortunately, these crowded roadways lead to far too many traffic related fatalities. In fact, Christmas ranks as one of the highest on the list of Most Dangerous Holidays according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data. Accordingly, Walker Smith would like to offer a few holiday driving safety tips for you to consider this holiday season.

Part of this increased risk is that the Christmas/New Year holiday creates a lot of irregular traffic patterns. With the “mad dash” of holiday shopping, out-of-town holiday travelers, and the increased congestion associated with holiday events, congestion leads to frustration and frustration leads to risky behavior. Four-day weekends are notoriously dangerous for just that reason.

Reduce Your Risks

There are things you can do to reduce your risk of being a statistic this holiday season. Stay safe by using some common sense and observe the following this holiday season:

Buckle up

Keep your cool

Stay alert

Don’t speed

Don’t drink & drive – use a designated driver

Call Walker Smith in Snellville GA

Holiday car accidents can happen. And when they do, call Walker Smith in Snellville for professional collision and body repair work and more!

At Walker Smith Body Shop, we want you to enjoy the holiday and to stay safe by following these holiday driving safety tips. In the unfortunate case that have a wreck because of the holiday bustle, feel free to give us a call and let us repair your car. We always take great care of our customers and treat them fairly. Whether it’s scratch removal, dent removal, a new paint job, or general car repair, we can make your car look new again!

]]>Top Causes of Car Accidentshttps://www.walkersmithbodyshop.com/2018/11/27/top-causes-of-car-accidents/
Tue, 27 Nov 2018 18:27:46 +0000https://www.walkersmithbodyshop.com/?p=906At Walker Smith, we handle a range of body repairs caused by many different things. Of course, car wrecks are the biggest cause – so we decided to look into the top causes of car accidents. Avoid These Top Causes of Car Accidents Distracted Driving – While you have probably seen campaigns across the […]

]]>At Walker Smith, we handle a range of body repairs caused by many different things. Of course, car wrecks are the biggest cause – so we decided to look into the top causes of car accidents.

Avoid These Top Causes of Car Accidents

Distracted Driving – While you have probably seen campaigns across the country regarding texting and driving, which does distract. But any distracted driver often has a slower reaction time than someone who is above the legal alcohol limit. Talking on a hands free mobile device makes you 4 times as likely to get in a crash, the National Safety Council says. Other distractions include: children, eating, grooming, adjusting the radio and listening to GPS directions. Your brain can only truly focus on one thing at a time. Any activity occupies your mind and distracts you from the road is a top cause of auto accidents.

Speeding – Nearly one third of all traffic fatalities are caused by speeding, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. This is partially because you will have less time to react at high speeds. It is also because speed means a more powerful impact.

Drunk Driving – We think this one obvious! Keep in mind that even if you don’t drink enough to reach the legal limit that your reaction time will still be impaired.

Rain – We Atlantans probably think snow should be next on the list, but rain is the main culprit of weather-related accidents. According to the US Department of Transportation, rain causes 11% of all vehicle accidents and wet pavement causes 17%. Snow and ice are only the culprit for 7% of all accidents.

What Happens After a Car Accident?

Learning what to do after a car accident is important. Later, as you begin the process of car repair, experience is also important when it comes to making a decision to get your body work done. Choose a shop that has been business for a long time and that will be there for years to come if you have any issues.

]]>Halloween Driving – Safety Tips from Walker Smithhttps://www.walkersmithbodyshop.com/2018/10/24/halloween-driving-safety-tips-from-walker-smith/
Wed, 24 Oct 2018 11:47:43 +0000https://www.walkersmithbodyshop.com/?p=900Halloween is just a few days away! Whatever your plans and activities are for the holiday evening, it is essential to be extra careful when driving. Parents and children will be walking through neighborhoods going door-to-door while trick-or-treating. Follow these Halloween driving safety tips and avoid any accidents. Be Alert During the Halloween Hours […]

]]>Halloween is just a few days away! Whatever your plans and activities are for the holiday evening, it is essential to be extra careful when driving. Parents and children will be walking through neighborhoods going door-to-door while trick-or-treating. Follow these Halloween driving safety tips and avoid any accidents.

Be Alert During the Halloween Hours

Be alert to what is taking place both on and off the roadway. Obviously, youngsters of all ages will be walking after dark, so it is necessary that you pay attention to each side of the roadway more frequently than you typically do. Children can dart out into the street any time. Be alert to that possibility.

Reduce your speed. With setting of the sun, shadows become more pronounced and makes it harder to see. A slower speed gives you more time to react to pedestrian traffic. Speeding up isn’t really worth the threat of a crash.

Keep your lights on throughout the day. Give everyone the best chance to see your car by using your headlights, even if there is still some sunlight.

Be really mindful getting in and out of driveways. Use every one of your mirrors and check your unseen areas as well. Many kids just aren’t tall enough to be seen with just a quick glance!

Finally, don’t drink and drive. Even “a little” alcohol in your system is too much when the lives of your children or your neighbors’ children are at risk. If you plan to go to a Halloween party with alcohol, arrange a ride home ahead of time or be sure that you have the number of a trusted taxi service. You can also check out more safety driving tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Have Fun and Be Safe

With all the pedestrian traffic associated with Halloween, there is always a high risk for accidents to happen. Please see to it you as well as those around you remain safe by complying with these essential Halloween driving safety tips!

]]>What To Do After a Car Accidenthttps://www.walkersmithbodyshop.com/2018/09/25/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident/
Tue, 25 Sep 2018 20:00:27 +0000https://www.walkersmithbodyshop.com/?p=891While every situation is different, there are at several important things to consider when you experience an accident. By taking the time to think about them in advance, you can save yourself a lot of time and trouble. Follow the outline in this article from State Farm and learn what to do after a car accident. […]

]]>While every situation is different, there are at several important things to consider when you experience an accident. By taking the time to think about them in advance, you can save yourself a lot of time and trouble. Follow the outline in this article from State Farm and learn what to do after a car accident.

Steps for Managing an Accident

1. Safety First

If the car accident is minor, move vehicles out of traffic to a safe place.

Shift into park, turn off your vehicle, and turn on the hazard lights.

Use cones, warning triangles, or flares for added safety, if you have them.

2. Get Help

Check for injuries; call an ambulance when in doubt.

Call the police, even if the accident is minor. A police report can be invaluable to the claim process and help establish who’s at fault.

3. Collect Information

Gather information from others involved in the accident.

Drivers and passengers: names and contact information

Vehicle descriptions (make, model, year)

Driver’s license numbers

License plate numbers

Insurance companies and policy numbers

Eyewitnesses: names and contact information

Accident scene location and/or address

Police officer’s name and badge number.

Take photos of all vehicles involved and the accident scene, if it is safe to do so.

Do not sign any document unless it’s for the police or your insurance agent.

Be polite, but don’ttell anyone the accident was your fault, even if you think it was.

4. File a Claim

You can start the claim process immediately at the scene and add details when things are calmer.

Notify your insurance agent as soon as possible.

Be Prepared – Just in Case

Walker Smith reminds you to be prepared. Now is a good time to review your insurance policy and make sure you have your insurance cards.

Learning what to do after a car accident is important. Later, as you begin the process of car repair, experience is also important when it comes to making a decision to get your body work done. Choose a shop that has been business for a long time and that will be there for years to come if you have any issues.

]]>Matching Auto Paint Colors Like Proshttps://www.walkersmithbodyshop.com/2018/08/27/matching-auto-paint-colors-like-pros/
Mon, 27 Aug 2018 19:10:43 +0000https://www.walkersmithbodyshop.com/?p=885Have you ever wondered why we’re so good at matching auto paint colors? The secret is in the paint code listed on your car door! We follow the precise paint color code formula for the most perfect, scientifically matched finish in the business. Professional painting is not only important for the appearance of your car […]

]]>Have you ever wondered why we’re so good at matching auto paint colors? The secret is in the paint code listed on your car door! We follow the precise paint color code formula for the most perfect, scientifically matched finish in the business.

Professional painting is not only important for the appearance of your car but also works to protect the body of your car. The paint acts as a sealant for the metal body of your car. So, while any type of finish is better than none, you certainly want the work to be done by professionals.

At Walker Smith, our goal is to make your car finish look good as new. In this short video, industry expert Lyndon Graves gives you a snapshot of the paint matching process we follow:

For Matching Auto Paint Colors, Call Walker Smith

If you are looking for a collision center and auto body shop that won’t give you a headache, call us at Walker Smith. We’re the auto body shop Snellville calls first.

As a full service collision repair center, we guarantee all of our work for the lifetime of your vehicle. And our finishing is second to none! When matching auto paint colors is important to you, call us first.

]]>Windshield Repair or Replacement? How to Decidehttps://www.walkersmithbodyshop.com/2018/07/25/windshield-repair-replacement/
Wed, 25 Jul 2018 11:47:15 +0000https://www.walkersmithbodyshop.com/?p=878That unexpected “whack” on the front windshield while driving down the highway usually means you’ve just won the lottery for a cracked windshield. Too bad it’s not accompanied by the winning payment of the Georgia Lottery. What’s most troublesome, though, is that there’s just no practical way to prevent this from happening. After a few […]

]]>That unexpected “whack” on the front windshield while driving down the highway usually means you’ve just won the lottery for a cracked windshield. Too bad it’s not accompanied by the winning payment of the Georgia Lottery. What’s most troublesome, though, is that there’s just no practical way to prevent this from happening. After a few choice words and a quick assessment of the damage, the next question arises – is windshield repair or replacement going to be the better option?

For Small Cracks, Windshield Repair Is Cost Effective

Windshield repair is a more cost effective and quicker solution than replacing your windshield. Of course, it all depends on the extent of the damage and size of the chip or crack. Quality windshield repair work will prevent a chip or crack from spreading and help hide the original damage. In fact, many insurance companies may waive the deductible of your coverage should you repair the crack, possibly covering the entire cost for the repair. But, you’ll need to act quickly before that star or crack starts to spread.

Otherwise, Windshield Replacement is the Solution

Windshield replacement involves removing and replacing your damaged glass with new glass that has been thoroughly tested for safety. In most cases, replacement is the safest way to ensure the structural integrity of the auto glass. When you replace the glass, you’ll typically have to wait a few hours before driving your car to let the urethane used to bond the glass cure. As you can imagine, windshield replacement is usually more expensive than repair.

Other Factors to Consider

The location of the windshield crack plays an important part in determining whether or not you’ll need repair or replacement. For example, a crack on the edge of your windshield can spread very quickly and compromise the structural integrity of the glass. Also, some repair shops may not repair a chip that is located directly in the driver’s line of vision. To be on the safe side in these cases, it is obviously best to replace the glass so that the vision of the driver is not compromised.

]]>The Best Customer Service Starts with Communicationhttps://www.walkersmithbodyshop.com/2018/06/19/customer-service-starts-with-communication/
Tue, 19 Jun 2018 17:04:06 +0000https://www.walkersmithbodyshop.com/?p=867The ability to effectively communicate with the personnel at an auto body shop is crucial to the level of services you receive and pay for. At Walker Smith Body Shop, customer service is our goal. We want our Snellville customers to be informed and understand our process so that we can do the best job […]

]]>The ability to effectively communicate with the personnel at an auto body shop is crucial to the level of services you receive and pay for. At Walker Smith Body Shop, customer service is our goal. We want our Snellville customers to be informed and understand our process so that we can do the best job to meet your specific needs.

Here are some helpful tips so that we can understand your specific auto body repair and maintenance needs.

Identify the Problem

Having a first-hand understanding of the problem you’re having with your car will greatly enhance our ability to make the correct repairs. When you can directly express your concerns and offer thorough insight to the problem that exists, then the repair team will have a better understanding of your vehicle’s requirements so they can quickly and effectively address the problem.

Ask Questions

If you are unsure about the issues and problems with your car, please ask questions. What may have caused the problem? What is the anticipated fix for the problem? Also, be certain to ask questions regarding the length of time it will take to repair the vehicle.

You should also be aware to ask questions about the parts that are necessary for the repair. Ask whether or not the shop carries those parts or will you have to wait on parts to be ordered and sent to the shop?

Check for Understanding

Finally, before leaving your vehicle for repair at the shop, be sure that you and the mechanics are on the same page. Specifically, confirm the actual repairs to be done, all the parts involved, the length of time needed to perform the repairs which reflects the total labor costs, and the overall cost for the repair. Ask for a printout of the actual quoted estimate so you can compare the actual cost to the estimate when you pick up your repaired vehicle.

Customer Satisfaction is Our Goal

At Walker Smith Body Shop we want to do everything we can to provide the best customer service and guarantee full customer satisfaction. We hope these tips will help you have the best experience possible when coming into our shop. The more you know, the better we can help you!

For Customer Service, Call Walker Smith in Snellville GA

Customer service is our goal. Bring your car into Walker Smith Body Shop in Snellville, and we will be happy to offer you solutions. Whether it’s scratch removal, dent removal, a new paint job, or collision repair, we can make your car look new again! See us in Snellville GA today.

]]>More Tips for Driving in the Rainhttps://www.walkersmithbodyshop.com/2018/05/30/tips-for-driving-in-the-rain-2/
Wed, 30 May 2018 19:35:08 +0000https://www.walkersmithbodyshop.com/?p=860Rainy Weather – Thanks Alberto! Follow These Tips for Driving in the Rain In case you haven’t noticed, tropical storm Alberto has generated a lot of rain this week. And driving in the rain in metro Atlanta can be stressful, hectic, and unsafe. There are cars all around you, there is rain showering over […]

Follow These Tips for Driving in the Rain

In case you haven’t noticed, tropical storm Alberto has generated a lot of rain this week. And driving in the rain in metro Atlanta can be stressful, hectic, and unsafe. There are cars all around you, there is rain showering over your car, and there is low visibility. There is a reason that more car accidents take place in the rain and it is not always because drivers can’t see.

How can you prepare yourself for driving in the rain? Here are some helpful tips for driving in the rain.

Drive Slowly (But Not Too Slow)
City traffic can be terrible during a rainstorm. It is not out of the ordinary to pass multiple accidents in one commute. Again, it’s not the visibility that gets most drivers, it’s the initial lack of traction due to materials on the road. When you brake, your stopping distance will be significantly increased in the rain. Drive slowly in the rain, but not too slow.

Follow at a Safe Distance
It is important to follow at a safe distance (3 second rule) and increase that distance in rainy weather. Cars directly in front of you will cause water to spray on your windshield, which makes it even more difficult to see. Be aware of large trucks and buses when you are driving, following behind them can be hazardous because they kick up more water than other vehicles.

Replace Windshield Wipers
It is recommended that your windshield wipers be replaced every six to twelve months. To avoid replacing perfectly good wiper blades, simply test them regularly with a heavy stream of windshield wiper fluid. If your windshield is left streaked and partially wet, you should probably replace the blades. If your blades have cracked or torn rubber or you can hear them scraping then they should be replaced.

Brake Correctly
Anti-lock brake systems have revolutionized the way cars stop, but they’re still not perfect. When you need to stop or slow, do not brake hard or lock the wheels and risk a skid. Maintain mild pressure on the brake pedal.

Call Walker Smith in Snellville GA

At Walker Smith Body Shop we want you to be prepared to drive safely in all kinds of weather. We hope you found these tips for driving in the rain helpful. But in the unfortunate case that you get in an auto collision because of rain or any other reason, feel free to give us a call and let us repair your car. We always take great care of our customers and treat them fairly. Whether it’s scratch removal, dent removal, a new paint job, or auto body repair, we can make your car look new again! See us in Snellville GA.

]]>Car Accidents Happen …https://www.walkersmithbodyshop.com/2018/04/24/car-accidents-happen/
Tue, 24 Apr 2018 11:02:49 +0000https://www.walkersmithbodyshop.com/?p=840Whether it is a major accident or a fender-bender, car accidents happen. Like any life event, being prepared is always important. Walker Smith Body Shop of Snellville wants to give you some tips so you can best be prepared in case of a car accident. 8 Helpful Tips for Car Accidents Stay calm and […]

]]>Whether it is a major accident or a fender-bender, car accidents happen. Like any life event, being prepared is always important. Walker Smith Body Shop of Snellville wants to give you some tips so you can best be prepared in case of a car accident.

8 Helpful Tips for Car Accidents

Stay calm and collective. Keeping a level head is key in making the right decisions moving forward.

Be sure to check on all the passengers in your car.

Move off the road to be safe but be sure not to leave the scene of the accident.

Signal oncoming traffic with your hazard lights. Lay down cones or pylons if you have them available.

Call the police and report the accident.

Notify your insurance company and report your claim.

Protect yourself legally. Do not claim fault and only discuss the accident with the police and your insurance agency.

Exchange information with other driver. Get the name, address, phone number, and license numbers of all drivers involved. Be sure to ask for their insurance company and policy numbers as well.

Be Prepared – Just in Case

Walker Smith reminds you to be prepared. Now is a good time to review your insurance policy and make sure you have your insurance cards.

And when you have a car accident, trust is also important when it comes to making a decision to get your body work done. Choose a shop that has been business for a long time and that will be there for years to come if you have any issues.

Walker Smith Body Shop has been in the body shop repair business since 1968, many of our customers today are the children of our first customers! Hopefully you will never end up being in need of these services but knowing that you are prepared for the worst will give you a piece of mind.

]]>Collision Repair Specialistshttps://www.walkersmithbodyshop.com/2018/03/22/collision-repair-specialists/
Thu, 22 Mar 2018 23:18:17 +0000https://www.walkersmithbodyshop.com/?p=833Working For You Each month, we talk a lot about keeping your car looking great, along with driving tips to keep you safe on the road. But this month we’d like to talk about all the work and responsibilities collision repair specialists and technicians are required to do to keep your car looking its best. […]

Each month, we talk a lot about keeping your car looking great, along with driving tips to keep you safe on the road. But this month we’d like to talk about all the work and responsibilities collision repair specialists and technicians are required to do to keep your car looking its best.

Many Duties and Responsibilities

As collision repair specialists, we typically do any and all of the following to get your car looking and driving like new:

Making Your Car Look Like New

We can repair most damage from vehicle collisions to make your car look and drive like new. Damage may be minor, such as replacing a cracked windshield, or major, such as replacing an entire door panel. After a major collision, the underlying frame of a car can become bent out of shape. We can restore the structural integrity of car frames back to manufacturer specifications.

We use many tools for our work. To remove damaged parts, such as bumpers and door panels, we use pneumatic tools, metal-cutting guns, and plasma cutters. For major structural repairs, such as aligning the body, we often use heavy-duty hydraulic jacks and hammers. For some work, we use common hand tools, such as metal files, pliers, wrenches, hammers, and screwdrivers.

Collision Repair Specialists in Snellville GA

Whether it’s scratch removal, dent removal, a new paint job, or major collision repair, we can make your car look new again! As a full service collision repair center, we guarantee all of our work for the lifetime of your vehicle. And our finishing is second to none! For a professional finish, call us first.